SONG OF THE DAY

“You Can Close Your Eyes” performed by James Taylor live with Carole King, Carly Simon, Joni Mitchell throughout various stages of his career. Originally presented on his album Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon, Warner Brothers Records, 1971.

WHERE I HEARD IT

I heard his recently performed duet with Carole King while watching the PBS show American Masters episode on their 2010 Troubadour reunion tour, but knew the song first as a 1970’s duet with Joni Mitchell. Then while researching this post, I found the version with Carly Simon, and it sickened me (in a good way). I’m not really a fan of Carly Simon, but she harmonizes so perfectly on this song and really compliments James Taylor perfectly— I was, needless to say, pleasantly surprised that three magnificent revolving duet versions of the same song exist in such a strong, meaningful way.

INTERESTING FACTS (a la wikipedia)

– Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon is James Taylor’s third album, released in April 1971 as the follow-up of his commercial breakthrough and critical triumph, Sweet Baby James.

– The album contained Taylor’s biggest hit single in the U.S., a version of the Carole King standard “You’ve Got a Friend”, which became his only #1 on the Billboard charts on July 31, 1971.

– The week before, the album itself reached its peak position of #2 in the Billboard album charts (the highest position achieved by Taylor in this list during his career). It was knocked-off the top spot also by Carole King, who was at the moment rocketing the charts with the blockbuster Tapestry album, which also contained her version of “You’ve Got a Friend.”

– In 1972, “You’ve Got a Friend” received Grammy Awards both for Taylor (Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male) and King (Song of the Year).

VIDEO OF THE DAY

With Joni Mitchell:

With Carly Simon:

With Carole King: